Since the previous academic year, KyotoU has been running a series of events entitled "Tell Me, Senpai! What’s Next After Graduation? Connecting International Students at KyotoU – Real Stories from International Alumni" in collaboration with international student associations from various countries and regions. The series aims to foster intergenerational networks among international students by providing opportunities for current students (kohai) to connect with alumni (senpai).
The sixth event in the series was held on 29 May 2026 at linkhub@ in the International Science Innovation Building in collaboration with the Indonesian Students Association in Kyoto (PPI Kyoto). Two Indonesian alumni currently working in Japan were invited as guest speakers. A total of 37 participants attended, including international undergraduate, graduate, and research students from KyotoU, as well as students from other universities.
The event began with staff from the KyotoU Office of Institutional Advancement and Communications (IAC) outlining its objectives. This was followed by remarks from Ms Naomi Hasian Felicia, a 4th-year student at the Faculty of Agriculture and president of PPI Kyoto, who introduced the association and expressed her appreciation to the guest speakers for their participation.
The first part of the main program was a talk session, in which two alumni from the Graduate School of Economics -- Mr Eko Heru Prasetyo (class of 2022), assistant professor at the Institute of Science Tokyo, and Ms Heldira Larashati (class of 2018), currently with Woven by Toyota, Inc. -- shared their personal experiences regarding job hunting and career development. A mini panel discussion followed, moderated by Mr Adi Musyaffa Abhinaya, a 2nd-year Faculty of Engineering student and PPI Kyoto member. Participants engaged in lively discussions with the speakers on topics such as how researchers and business professionals approach career choices and decision-making.
The second part consisted of a networking session, which began with remarks from Ms Ophelia Faira Nahla, a 2nd-year student at the Faculty of Education and member of PPI Kyoto. Participants then divided into two groups for more in-depth discussions with the speakers. The event concluded with the students sharing key insights and reflections with the entire group, bringing the gathering to a close in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Several participants commented that their conversations with the alumni had changed the way they think about their future careers. The event provided a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the importance of connecting international alumni and current international students.
